Regional aviation is considered critical to the development of regional and remote communities. It has been recognized by the Australian, Brazilian and Canadian governments that regional aviation is also crucial to the continued economic development of these countries. Whilst all three countries have similar economic structures, they have also completed a cycle of regional aviation deregulation over the last twenty years. A comparative analysis of the economic regulatory reforms conducted in Australia, Brazil and Canada has been provided. The paper uses this analysis to suggest the development of four criteria (improved service quality, increased competition, increased efficiency and increased innovation), to determine the impact of government economic policy on regional aviation.